Whilst many of us were helping and/or running at Wilmslow Running Festival, there was another half marathon a little further north also being run: with a twist for its 40th.
In order to protect the participates and minimise transport needs and to ensure that the event went ahead in a covid secure manner, maintaining social distancing as much as possible. There was a new course with its start AND finish lines in Newcastle – and no visit to South Shields. Runners crossed the iconic Tyne Bridge TWICE too!
It gave the opportunity to take in more of the landmarks of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne!
- The Great North Run race started as it has in previous years, on Newcastle’s central motorway and runners crossed the Tyne Bridge before heading along the Felling Bypass through Gateshead.
- Runners then turned back on themselves around a roundabout to head back along the Felling Bypass and back towards the Tyne Bridge for a second chance to cross the famous bridge, this time heading into Newcastle.
- Participants ran through Newcastle city centre on the return leg of the race taking in the sights as they run passed Grey’s Monument
- The race finished on the aptly named Great North Road heading towards the Newcastle suburb of Gosforth.
Not surprisingly Colin was there.
I have lost count of how many times he has run it. And how many times he has said – It’s my Last one!!
Results site was a bit complicated. So:
Britain’s Marc Scott won the 40th edition of the Great North Run in Newcastle, with Kenya’s Hellen Obiri triumphing in the women’s event. Scott, 27, finished in one hour one minute 22 seconds as he took a title won by Mo Farah for the past six races.
World 5,000m champion Obiri ran 1:07:42 to pip Scotland’s Eilish McColgan.
57,00 registered – but ! don’t know how many ran – definitely over 30,000. And Colin
It wouldn’t be the Great North Run without our Col being there. Great time too.
Carolyn